Download Floral Arrangement Design: Selecting Containers, Textures, Shapes, Sizes, and Colors and more Slides Botany and Agronomy in PDF only on Docsity! Mechanics and Supplies Docsity.com Containers • anything that holds water can be used • the container should help to express the idea the designer has in mind. Docsity.com Texture • depends largely on the material the container is made of • usually glass, glazed pottery, plastic, wood, metal and paper mache Docsity.com Texture • vary according to finish • smooth finish usually has a fine texture • rough finishes usually have a more coarse texture Docsity.com Texture • should be compatible with flowers • fine textured containers should be used for arrangements with roses and lilies Docsity.com Shape • containers should have clean lines and not be highly decorated Docsity.com Shape • highly decorated containers take away from the arrangement Docsity.com Shape • containers in the shape of clowns or cars, etc should only be used for special occasions Docsity.com Color • must harmonize with the color of the flowers • containers that do not blend with the arrangement call attention to themselves and away from the flowers Docsity.com Color • blending of colors is preferable to contrasting • green containers that echo the foliage are commonly used Docsity.com Color • other commonly used colors include tan, brown, gray and white Docsity.com Needlepoint holders • may be used in arrangements with few flowers or where floral foam would be visible Docsity.com Floral Foam • soft, absorbent, lightweight material • stems of the flowers take up water through the foam Docsity.com Floral Foam • Oasis is the most commonly known commercial name for floral foam Docsity.com Free-float method • place block of foam in a bucket or container filled with preservative treated water to a height greater than the foam Docsity.com Free-float method • as the foam absorbs water it will sink • when 1/4 inch of the foam remains above water the block is saturated and ready for use Docsity.com Free-float method • make sure the foam is thoroughly soaked • dry spots in the foam can cause flowers to wilt Docsity.com Anchor Tape • available in green, white and transparent Docsity.com Anchor Tape • green tape is used on green containers • white tape is used on white containers • green tape is easier to hide in floral arrangements Docsity.com Stem wrap • also called floral tape • waxed, stretchy tape that only sticks to itself Docsity.com Floral Adhesive Clay • sticky material similar to play dough • comes in a flattened strip wound into a coil with waxed paper between the layers Docsity.com Floral Adhesive Clay • two common brands are “Cling” and “Sure-Stik” • used to fasten anchor pins or to anchor needlepoint holders Docsity.com Floral Adhesive Clay • will not stick to a wet surface • leaves sticky mark on the surface • be cautious of use on expensive containers Docsity.com Floral Knives • used for cutting stems only, never used for cutting wires • will dull the knife • knives that make a clean cut will not pinch the stems Docsity.com Floral knives • keep the knife sharp you will be less likely to cut yourself • knife is held between the thumb and forefinger • cutting toward yourself at an angle Docsity.com Floral Knives • do not try to cut hard woody stems with a knife. Docsity.com Wire cutters • used for cutting wires and the stems of artificial flowers that contain wire Docsity.com Pruning shears • cutting heavy stems too large to be easily cut with a knife or florist shears • used for cutting stems up to one half inch in diameter Docsity.com Picks • wooden and steel picks are used • used mainly in funeral designs, wreath making and artificial and dried arrangements • used to add length or support Docsity.com
